The ancient Dalriadan clans of Scotland spawned the name McNeese. It is derived from the personal nameNaos, which is a dialectal form of Aonghus or Angus. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Neis, which is derived from the earlier form Mac Naois; both of these mean son of Angus. Thus, the name McNeese is a cognate of MacAngus and MacInnes.

McNeese Early Origins

The surname McNeese was first found in Perthshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Pheairt) former county in the present day Council Area of Perth and Kinross, located in central Scotland, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

McNeese Spelling Variations

McNeese Spelling Variations

In the Middle Ages, the translation between Gaelic and English was not a highly developed process. Spelling was not yet standardized, and so, an enormous number of spelling variations appear in records of early Scottish names. McNeese has appeared as MacNeish, MacNeice, MacNish, MacNess, MacKness, MacNeece and many more.

McNeese Early History

McNeese Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McNeese research. Another 238 words (17 lines of text) covering the year 1522 is included under the topic Early McNeese History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McNeese Early Notables (pre 1700)

McNeese Early Notables (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early McNeese Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McNeese In Ireland

McNeese In Ireland

Some of the McNeese family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 165 words (12 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

Many settled along the east coast of what would become the United States and Canada. As the American War of Independence broke out, those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of these hardy Dalriadan-Scottish settlers began to recover their collective history in the 20th century with the advent of the vibrant culture fostered by highland games and Clan societies in North Ameri ca. Highland games, clan societies, and other organizations generated much renewed interest in Scottish heritage in the 20th century. The McNeese were among the earliest of the Scottish settlers as immigration passenger lists have shown:

McNeese Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Thomas McNeese, aged 19, who emigrated to the United States from Moy, Ireland, in 1913

Elizabeth McNeese, aged 40, who landed in America from Moy, Ireland, in 1914

Felix McNeese, aged 8, who emigrated to the United States from Moy, Ireland, in 1914

James McNeese, aged 46, who landed in America from Moy, Ireland, in 1914

John McNeese, aged 7, who settled in America from Moy, Ireland, in 1914

Contemporary Notables of the name McNeese (post 1700)

Contemporary Notables of the name McNeese (post 1700)

Barbara Ann McNeese (1930-2011), birth name of Barbara Stuart, American actress, known for her work on Bachelor Party (1984), Airplane! (1980) and Gomer Pyle: USMC (1964)

John McNeese (1843-1914), American educator in Lake Charles, Louisiana, first superintendent of schools of Imperial Calcasieu Parish, eponym of McNeese State University

Motto

Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Citations

Citations

Other References

Shaw, William A. Knights of England A Complete Record from the Earliest Time to the Present Day of the Knights of all the Orders of Chivalry in England, Scotland, Ireland and Knights Bachelors 2 Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing. Print. (ISBN 080630443X).

Barrow, G.W.S Ed. The Charters of David I The Written Acts of David I King of Scots, 1124-53 and of His Son Henry, Earl of Northumerland, 1139-52. Woodbridge: The Boydell Press, 1999. Print.

The McNeese Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The McNeese Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.